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Deadhorse Creek drains the basin between Cougar and Skyline Divides on the north side of Mount Baker and as the creek does not have a source in permanent ice melt or the outlet of a lake, the erosive power of the stream isn't nearly as great as neighboring drainages. As the creek encountered the valley of the North Fork of the Nooksack River it was left hanging well above the floor and as a result carved a very deep, exceptionally narrow canyon as it plunged down to the valley. At the head of the canyon lies this waterfall, a lofty but very difficult to see and truly appreciate waterfall of nearly 400 feet in all.
The falls begin where the creek is split around a chock stone boulder wedged in the 5-10 foot wide entrance to the canyon, plunging over 260 feet in an exceptionally narrow slot. Because the canyon is so narrow at this point it is difficult to identify the exact makeup of the falls, but it appears there may be two drops rather than just one in this part of the falls. Exiting the narrowest part of the canyon the creek jumps down three more nearly vertical falls of 29, 63 and 39 feet, interspersed with cascades around several massive boulders which have fallen from the adjacent cliffs.
The biggest detractor for Deadhorse Falls is that it is very difficult to get close to. When Deadhorse Creek is swollen with snow melt, the multiple fords of the creek necessary to even see the falls become hazardous, if not outright dangerous. Even at low water, numerous logjams and large boulders must be scaled in order to reach the base of the falls, and then to truly get close one must scramble up the three lower tiers of the falls (which may not even be possible).
- Deadhorse Falls is the name of this waterfall.
From Highway 542 in Glacier, turn south onto the Glacier Creek Road and immediately turn left onto FSR #37, signed for Skyline Divide. Drive for 8 1/4 miles to the second bridge over Deadhorse Creek and park. Deadhorse Falls is found a little over one-quarter mile upstream from the bridge. There is no trail and no clear route to reach views of the falls. For those who wish to attempt to visit the falls, we would recommend staying close to the creek and staying on the west side as much as possible. A minimum of 3 stream fords (which can be up to crotch deep) will be necessary to get close enough to see the falls by this method.
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